Need to Upgrade? Flickr Image by mr.mojorisin'

For many entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprises the upgrade from Windows XP to Vista was an easy decision . . . they didn’t do it. It was too costly, buggy, and backwards compatibility was a real issue for a lot of software. The world snarled and shook their fists at Microsoft in one harmonious voice; and the software giant fell off the map. Now, 2 years after the release of Vista, Windows 7 will be released in a few months. But the big question for most is, should I upgrade?

The answer is surprisingly, yes. If you’re a Windows XP or Vista user you should definitely upgrade. Windows 7 is essentially what Windows Vista should have been in the first place; a stable, reliable, and secure operating system. According to Brian Nelson of Train Signal Training.com, here are 5 features of Windows 7 that will benefit entrepreneurs, thus, the reasons you should upgrade;

• Reason 1: BitLocker -  a feature that encrypts all of the data at the OS level which means not only is the computer useless to thieves, so is the data.
• Reason 2: BitLocker Go -  a feature which encrypts the data from portable USB flash drives as well. The last thing an entrepreneur needs is his/her presentations, sensitive client information, or data in the hands of a thief or no good competitor. This feature should definitely protect precious cargo.
• Reason 3: AppLocker -  allows an even tighter lock down on user desktops while at the same time allowing for more flexibility in how they are locked. This tools restricts which pieces of software can run on which computers. Don’t want your secretary to snoop through certain files on his/her computer? Restrict your software from being installed on their machine. That’ll keep their fingers from out of your bowl!
• Reason 4: Automatic Backup – Allows you to recover your data easily with an automatic backup to a home or business network. Software and computers can easily be replaced, but that business plan that took you 3 months to write? Not so easily . . .
• Reason 5: Windows XP Mode – Runs Windows XP in a virtual machine and redirects displayed applications running in Windows XP to the Windows 7 desktop. In other words – if you have old software that needs XP to run . . .they got you covered!

Windows 7 is starting to shape up to a killer operating system for entrepreneurs and small business owners. There are many more features not included in this list, but these were the ones I think will benefit you the most. Of course, depending on which version of Windows 7 you upgrade to will determine which features you will get. In all, if your old XP or Vista machine is still kicking, you might consider upgrading to Windows 7 for it’s enhanced stability, style, features, and security. For more information on Windows 7 or to pre-order an upgrade version, click the Amazon links below. Do you think you’ll upgrade to Windows 7 when it’s released in October? What did you hate about Vista? What did you love about XP? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: We will never share your email address with anyone, period.